Preparing for the Crafting Futures residency reminded me of being a teenager going on “exchange.” One’s bag would always include some representative souvenirs for the family one was visiting: a tin of biscuits or confectionery, a small book about one’s local area. I wanted to bring gifts for my compatriots on the Crafting Futures residency…

The other day I noticed that a particular corner of the kitchen was feeling a little dark. Upon investigation I realised that what was blocking out the light on the windowsill was a teetering tower of tins. These were not tins with any useful function, containing food or craft items. These were empty tins. My…

Last weekend I had another successful bid at the Glasgow Auction (which is rapidly becoming my new obsession). The item that had caught my eye was this – a wonderful 1950s walnut sewing cabinet. I am very keen on these cabinets, and have been on the look-out for a nice mid-century one for a while.…

These are my pinboards at the Astley Ainsley Hospital, covered with the wonderful cards and messages you sent. Being in hospital is a difficult business. For me, the dissociating effect of being a patient in an institution was compounded by the fact that I was inhabiting a body which did not seem to be mine…

Work in the one-woman factory of seasonal gifts continues apace. I can now see an end to the process and am having to resist the urge to keep several items for myself. These are both good signs. I shall post about the things I’ve made soon. Meanwhile, from the clutter of objects on my desk,…

From now until the end of December there will be no pictures of things in process or completion. I just don’t trust the recipients not to peek. Instead I shall divert myself with discussion of other Things. I have been reading — and enjoying immensely — Joshua Glenn and Carol Hayes’ Taking Things Seriously: 75…